Arctic Monkeys and One Direction among winners at BRIT Awards 2014

David Bowie uses speech to pick a side on Scottish independence

The 2014 BRIT Awards ceremony took place in London last night, with Arctic Monkeys and One Direction the only winners to take away more than one award apiece. The Sheffield foursome picked up Best British Group and British Album of the Year for AM, while pop titans 1D collected gongs for British Global Success and British Video Award (a vote that was tallied up via Twitter on the night).

David Bowie caused a minor spark of controversy when he appeared to use his acceptance speech for Best British Male Solo Artist to weigh in on the Scottish independence debate. Bowie, who released his latest album The Next Day on his 66th birthday, declined to leave his home in New York to attend the awards, sending Kate Moss in his stead. Delivering Bowie's acceptance speech, Moss said: 'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. David has asked me to say this. I'm completely delighted to have a Brit for being the best male – but I am, aren't I, Kate? Yes. I think it's a great way to end the day. Thank you very, very much … and Scotland, stay with us.'